Insights into the private discussions at Ottawa’s city hall regarding the controversial requirement for municipal employees to return to the office full-time have been revealed through emails and text messages exchanged with the mayor’s office.
Documents obtained by CBC News via a freedom of information request shed light on correspondence involving Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and his team from August to September 11 concerning the return-to-office mandate, with certain sections redacted.
The communications show that there was no apparent external influence, highlighting the efforts of key city hall figures to seek clarity and coordination amidst debates over canceling the mandate.
Ottawa’s city manager Wendy Stephanson announced the mandatory return to the office in January, following a similar move by the provincial government for public servants. The policy change would affect a minority of employees as the majority had already returned to the workplace.
A motion to reverse the mandate, put forward by Councilor Jeff Leiper, was substituted at the last minute with a motion supporting the city manager’s decision-making authority by Councilor Cathy Curry, which was later approved by a 15-10 vote.
Regarding a message exchange between Curry and the mayor’s office, it was revealed that Curry affirmed her opposition to rescinding the work-in-office order. Mayor Sutcliffe clarified that the decision to implement the mandate was solely Stephanson’s, emphasizing that no external pressure influenced it.
Councilor Leiper noted that there was nothing unusual about the correspondences, indicating that it was a standard interaction in trying to garner support for motions among council members.
Clarification Requests
Additional documents highlighted confusion over the city manager’s authority following the mandate announcement, with Councilor Marty Carr seeking clarification on the council’s role in reversing the decision.
An exchange between the mayor’s staff and the city clerk’s office aimed to clarify the rules in preparation for Leiper’s motion, ultimately leading to a clarification of Stephanson’s authority.
Carr emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate information for concerned residents and sought guidance from the mayor’s office to avoid conflicting interpretations being provided to constituents.
Leiper commended the constructive discussions between Carr and the mayor’s office, emphasizing the commitment to align with legal requirements.
Internal documents revealed that elected members were briefed on the mandate’s implications, clarifying that the five-day office standard did not apply to their offices, allowing them to determine appropriate work arrangements for their staff.